Howard Garfield Wible Jr.

1920 - 2015

Howard Wible, 95, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015. Service: A memorial service celebrating a life lived well will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel at Highland Baptist Church. Interment: 11 a.m. Tuesday in Laurel Land in Fort Worth. Visitation: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the church's chapel. Memorials: International Hoops for Hope, Heart of Texas Field Guides or Antioch Ministries International - Grace Lee, in lieu of flowers. Howard was born in Philadelphia, Pa., to Howard and Mary Wible. He graduated from Drexel College and earned a master's degree in business from Harvard. When World War II began, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. While on assignment in Denver, Colo., he met and married Maryellen Hook on Dec. 12, 1943. Howard passed two days prior to their 72nd wedding anniversary. Three sons were born to Howard and Mary in Baltimore, Md., where Howard worked for General Electric. Sensing a call into full-time ministry, Howard joined the staff of University Baptist Church in Baltimore. In 1956 the family moved to Fort Worth for Howard to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon completion of his degree, the Lord had other plans for Howard and he joined the faculty of TCU as a night professor, then full professor, dean of students and eventually working his way to vice chancellor and provost. During that time he earned his Ed.D. from UNT. He retired from working in 1985, but continued investing in the lives of people until he died. He taught Sunday school and served as a deacon, committee member and elder. As a couple, they mentored hundreds of people who saw them as a spiritual father and mother. They loved to travel, visiting every continent and encouraging missionaries all over the world. In 2005, Howard and Mary moved to Waco to invest in his lasting legacy -- family. He attended sporting events, choir and theater programs, graduations -- anything family. His kids, grandkids and great-grandkids can attest to his dedication to and love of family. Dad was an example to everyone of how to love Jesus through every stage of life. Survivors: Left to remember his legacy are his wife of 72 years, Maryellen; sons, Speedy and wife, Elaine, Danny and wife, Melissa, and Mark and wife, Laurie, all of Waco. Grandchildren include Matthew and wife, Dawn, Joshua and wife, Marleene, Owen and wife, Alexa, Emily Noblett and husband, Tyler, Andrew, Aaron, Luke, Jon and wife, Suzie, Joy Smallwood and husband, Jared, and Noah. Great-grandkids are Levi, Jude, Titus, Mia, Caleb, Micah, Abigail, Jadon and Joelle.